Kevin Johnston writer

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MusicAlbum Review: Jess Parsons – Hear Me CallingStop sifting for obscure ‘70s soft-pop on Spotify playlists like “candle-lit living room slow dance” and buy Jess Parsons’ “Hear Me Calling.” Denver’s Parsons knows well that charm and honesty go a long way.Kevin Johnston · Feb 3, 2021Album Review: Antonio Lopez – Roots and WingsAntonio Lopez’ voice sits delicately perched at the center of his fourth full-length release, Roots & Wings. The fragile purity of his vocal delivery as the record’s focus proves a point: When given a proper chance, an honest voice can rise to previously un-reached heights. As the executive director of the music/empowerment nonprofit Sound Bridge and having funded Roots & Wings via Kickstarter, Lopez knows well that respectful contributions from those who back you is a gift as precious as family and as freeing as flight.Kevin Johnston · Jan 7, 2021MusicSingle Review: 30 – “Homesick”A Massachusetts native by the name 30 recently moved to Colorado to make the best of covid reality, releasing genre-non-specific singles in support of his full-length “Introspects Of A Psycho,” out October (yes) 30.Kevin Johnston · Nov 13, 2020MusicSingle Review: Joel Ansett – “Ease”Denver’s Joel Ansett says he finally noticed how much emotional energy he spent on “just trying to be liked.Kevin Johnston · Nov 11, 2020MusicAlbum Review: Kid Astronaut & Psychologic – KenopsiaPervasive feelings of extreme unknown lurk in the consciousness of most citizens on planet earth these days, which is why the similarly intangible music, soundscapes and dark, thrilling emotions on the concept EP Kenopsia hit so hard. A brilliant and concise collaboration between Denver-based R&B hip-hop vocalist Kid Astronaut and producer Psychologic, the record’s pop sensibilities are balanced by an epic, dystopian sense of drama and purpose.Kevin Johnston · Oct 12, 2020MusicAlbum Review: My Dog Ate Chad – KrakatoaMy Dog Ate Chad is exactly what it should be. A conglomeration of 5 flanneled friends from high school throwing their influences at the wall to see what sticks. They’re looking for their true identity on their full-length debut Krakatoa with wide eyes, open ears and loud-ass guitars.Kevin Johnston · Jul 7, 2020MusicDouble Single Review: The Beeves – “Playing Bingo” & Slow Caves “Walk In The Park”With top production, austere turn of phrase and beautifully transparent melodic construction, “Walk In The Park” by Slow Caves sparkles with the slow motion lens-flare of memories you haven’t even made yet. Riff-heavy with the pizzaz and swagger of the White Stripes, The Beeves’ new single “Playing Bingo” highlights the proper rock yelps of vocalist Ian Ehrhart and the grooving instrumental playfulness of bassist/vocalist Margot Sease and drummer Will Ehrhart.Kevin Johnston · Jul 6, 2020MusicSingle Premiere: Corsicana – “Wreath”[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The subtle tug-of-war between the power of youth and the perspective of experience usually comes when young artists break the mold put in place by seasoned veterans from the former generation. It’s how new art is made. But in the case of Corsicana, this cliché plays out in a completely different way. At justKevin Johnston · Jun 8, 2020PremieresVideo Premiere: Casual Male – Takin’ It EasyTim Lappin set out to make something of his own after years of playing in different projects like Nick Murphy (fka Chet Faker) and more. His new band Casual Male premiere their video for “Takin’ It Easy” via BandWagon today. The so-called “skate video’s” narrative depth hints at the flux of group dynamics with perhaps a not-so-on-the-nose influence bleeding through: Lappin’s hard-earned experience in the music world. Groups form, members join, and when the golden light hits just right, it’s beautiful.Kevin Johnston · Oct 25, 2019